The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest®
About Competing Live
The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest (RGMC) is a challenge of creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork all rolled into one! A STEAM competition for the 21st century that pits student teams against each other to create a fantastical Rube Goldberg Machine built from everyday objects that solves a common, simple task.
--All machines must complete the task for 2026: OPEN A BOX
--EVERYONE is WELCOME to participate!! We are now open to Adults!!!
--Compete in a live or remote regional qualifier event to earn access to the World Championship
--Machines are judged by a panel of Rube Goldberg experts and volunteers
--For prizes and more information, check out the official Rulebook below:
How to Enter
1. FORM A TEAM: Each team must include one adult serving as the Coach, and there is a max of fifteen members.
2. REGISTER: All teams must register and pay the $79 fee to participate.
3. DESIGN & BUILD your machine: See the rulebook for specifications.
Scoring Criteria
Teams are scored by a panel of judges and referees. Judges score subjectively (based on personal opinions) while Referees score objectively (based on facts). See the rulebook below for all rules, specifications, and scoring criteria.
Copyright Notice and Legal Disclaimer: The 2026 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest® rulebook, including all rules, regulations, as well as the official 2026 annual task, is protected under copyright law, with all rights reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of the rulebook, annual task, or its contents is strictly prohibited and WILL be subject to legal action.
Past Winners & Inspiration
Thank you to our partners/sponsors!
